
This century-old Ford Model A cutaway engine represents our vision of home decoration.
Ford
Cutaway engines have a captivating quality to them. With just a few precise cuts, they reveal the intricate workings of a highly complex component, making it understandable to a broader audience. Typically found in museums and auto shows, if you've ever wished to have one for your living room, you’re in luck. Mecum is auctioning a Ford Model A cutaway engine without a reserve.
Details about the engine are scarce, but the auction listing indicates that Ford utilized it for instructing mechanics on diagnosing and fixing the car. The Model A was introduced by Ford in 1927 to succeed the Model T and remained in production until 1931, making this engine almost 100 years old.
This 3.3-liter four-cylinder engine has been restored and is truly intriguing to observe. It showcases the pistons, various coolant routes, the oil pan, and the cam, among other components. The clutch mechanism is also present, and examining the ignition system highlights the advancements engines have made over the last century. The distributor connects to the spark plugs using individual brass connectors instead of traditional spark plug wires.
The engine is accompanied by a stand and a set of period-appropriate wrenches, and it is set to be auctioned in Indianapolis on May 17, 2025. With no reserve in place, the item will go to the highest bidder. Mecum has not released a pre-auction estimate, leaving us uncertain about its potential value. Cutaway engines from this era are relatively rare on the market. However, for reference, auction house Bonhams sold a different-style Model A cutaway engine for $8,125, inclusive of the buyer’s premium, back in 2013.




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This century-old Ford Model A cutaway engine represents our vision of home decoration.
As stated in the Mecum Auctions listing, this specific Ford Model A engine was utilized to train mechanics in diagnosing and fixing issues.